Windsor

Pipeline extension could mean billion-dollar boost for Chatham-Kent, says mayor

Randy Hope said he is particularly interested in the possibility of building more greenhouses in Chatham-Kent and has been approaching farmers to see if they'd consider putting their land under glass.

Randy Hope is asking farmers about interest in building greenhouses

Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope. (Municipality of Chatham-Kent)

The mayor of Chatham-Kent is looking at plans for Union Gas to increase its supply to Essex County as an opportunity for pipeline expansion and a billion-dollar economic boost in his municipality.

Randy Hope said he is particularly interested in the possibility of building more greenhouses in Chatham-Kent and has been approaching farmers to see if they'd consider putting their land under glass.

"The expression of interest is not a financial commitment," he explained. "It's a business decision that says, 'Yes, that is in my goals so that when we carry the business case to the province, they know that there's a line up of people waiting for natural gas."

Hope says Chatham-Kent is making an application to the province for funding.